Ally's first day at college felt like stepping into a completely different world — one that was loud, chaotic, and entirely unforgiving. Students were running in every direction, dragging suitcases, checking their schedules on phones, and bumping into each other as if the rules of gravity had been replaced with sheer randomness.
Ally clutched her backpack straps and muttered, "If I survive today, I deserve a medal… or at least a nap."
Before she could panic too much, a loud, energetic voice rang out across the courtyard:
"Ally! Over here!"
Ally turned and nearly tripped over her own feet as a small whirlwind of energy practically bounced toward her. It was Mary — bright-eyed, impossibly cheerful, carrying three notebooks, a backpack, and a half-eaten chocolate bar dangling from her hand.
"Roommate! Best friend! Partner-in-crime!" Mary announced dramatically.
Ally blinked. "Uh… hi?"
Mary didn't seem to notice her hesitation. She grabbed Ally's arm and started dragging her across the campus. "You're officially my first-year buddy. And we are not letting this place chew us up. You hear me?"
Ally groaned. "I just want to find my first class without getting trampled."
"Trampled?" Mary asked, eyes wide with excitement. "No, no, no! This is perfect chaos — the kind that makes dramatic entrances legendary!"
Ally rolled her eyes, silently wondering if she'd accidentally signed up for a reality show instead of college.
First Glimpse of Drake
As they turned a corner toward the lecture hall, Ally caught a glimpse of someone she instantly recognized — Drake, her stepbrother, standing near a cluster of upperclassmen.
He didn't notice her. Of course he didn't. He never did.
He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, scanning a notebook like it held all the secrets of the universe. His quiet presence radiated that intimidating "don't approach me" energy, and Ally immediately clenched her fists in frustration.
He looks… smug even when he's not smiling, she thought. Ugh. Why does he have to be everywhere?
Mary, noticing Ally's distracted stare, nudged her. "Who's that? Some mysterious guy you're crushing on?"
Ally waved her off. "No. Definitely not. And even if I were… he doesn't notice anyone."
Mary smirked. "Sure. Denial is cute."
The Tutor: Dean
Before Ally could continue her silent grumbling, Mary dragged her toward the tutoring center. Leaning against the doorway was a tall, calm man with a slightly serious expression — Dean, Mary's assigned tutor.
Mary's eyes practically sparkled. "Dean! My math savior! My life depends on him!"
Ally raised an eyebrow. "You're obsessed."
Mary ignored her. "He's dangerous, in a very attractive, possibly life-saving way."
Ally snorted. "Yeah, right. Dangerous and math tutor… sounds perfect."
Mary laughed, obviously delighted by her own description. Ally just shook her head, realizing she was going to have a very chaotic semester.
Josh and Alex's First Clash
Meanwhile, across campus, Josh Miller strutted along with that confident, too-cool-for-school attitude. He was texting Drake — his best friend — when someone bumped into him.
"Watch where you're walking," a crisp voice snapped.
Josh looked up to see Alex Coleman — tall, sharp, and with that glare that screamed "I own this place."
Josh smirked. "And miss the chance to meet you? Never."
Alex crossed his arms. "We're not meeting. We're colliding."
Josh grinned wider. "Even better. Challenge accepted."
Alex rolled his eyes. "You're impossible."
Josh tilted his head, playful. "Takes one to know one."
As they parted ways, the tension between them was thick enough to slice with a knife — the perfect storm for future rivalry.
Orientation Madness
Inside the orientation hall, Ally and Mary squeezed into a seat at the back, trying to avoid the overly enthusiastic orientation leaders. The room was buzzing with first-year nerves and confusion — students flipping through brochures, checking schedules, and attempting to look serious while secretly panicking.
Ally slumped in her chair. "Why is this so painfully formal?"
Mary whispered, "Because they have to survive our chaos."
Ally shot her a look. "I'm not sure chaos is the word I'd use for… well, us."
"You'll see," Mary said, grinning. "Trust me. It's gonna be legendary."
When the professor started droning about rules, schedules, and campus life, Ally found her mind wandering. She glanced around and saw Drake in the back of the hall, silently observing, obviously uninterested in anyone except perhaps himself. Ally couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Typical.
Ally Meets Alex Again
During a short break, Ally wandered outside for some fresh air and noticed a familiar face: Alex, leaning casually against a tree.
"You survived orientation?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ally groaned. "Barely. This place is already trying to kill me with rules and forms."
Alex laughed softly. "You'll get used to it. First week is always like this."
Ally smiled despite herself. He was calm, patient, and didn't make her feel judged for being messy or nervous — the exact opposite of Drake, who seemed incapable of noticing her at all.
By the end of the day, Ally and Alex were chatting like old friends, swapping notes about professors, dorms, and survival strategies. Ally realized how easy it was to talk to him, how natural it felt — and part of her felt guilty for noticing it while Drake remained in the back of her mind.
First Hints of Chaos and Fun
As the sun began to set, Ally and Mary sat on the steps outside the hall, exhausted but exhilarated.
Mary munched on a chocolate bar. "See? Told you orientation would be fun."
Ally laughed. "Fun is one word for it. Infuriating is another."
Mary nudged her. "You're going to love this place. And you're going to survive it. Just wait — you'll see. And who knows? You might even make friends with that silent storm over there." She nodded subtly toward Drake.
Ally groaned. "Silent storm? More like a walking headache."
Mary laughed. "Exactly why he's interesting!"
Ally shook her head, smiling despite herself. College was officially insane — and for better or worse, her life was about to get a lot more complicated.